SUMMARY
- Mercedes Benz Group opts out of Renault's upcoming FlexEvan project, focusing instead on its own premium electric vehicle, VAN.EA.
- The historic alliance between Mercedes and Renault dwindles, with only the Citan van project left in their shared portfolio.
- New industry incentives could drive both companies towards the shared use of manufacturing facilities, despite the lack of concrete collaborative projects.
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In an unexpected move, Mercedes Benz Group, a longtime collaborator with Renault on van projects, has decided to chart its own course. The German automobile heavyweight is set to forego involvement in Renault's upcoming FlexEvan electric project, electing instead to concentrate its efforts on VAN.EA, its own premium electric vehicle offering, according to insiders privy to the situation.
Set to debut in 2026, the FlexEvan project has been designed with the Renault and Nissan brands in mind. The anticipated project might also see Renault Trucks, owned by Swedish manufacturer Volvo, joining the fray. The confirmation of Mercedes' absence from this project has certainly created a stir in the automotive industry.
A Mercedes representative has publicly confirmed this strategic decision, stating that the group has no plans to launch a mid-sized or large van on a platform differing from VAN.EA. Renault, on the other hand, has chosen to remain silent on the issue.
The Mercedes and Renault partnership, once a shining example of collaboration, has seen some turbulence recently, with the diminishing demand for diesel engines sold by Renault to Mercedes and the termination of a joint project on Twingo-Smart cars. Presently, they share only a single project, the Citan van, whose electric version is set for release. Despite Renault's efforts to augment the partnership in van manufacturing, Mercedes remains elusive.
Under the helm of CEO Luca de Meo, Renault is actively seeking new alliances, a departure from its longstanding partnerships with Nissan and Daimler, both championed by former CEO Carlos Ghosn. Although no concrete plans between Renault and Mercedes are currently being considered, new initiatives such as the U.S Inflation Reduction Act and similar European measures could potentially encourage shared use of manufacturing facilities.
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